Outcomes of conversion from laparoscopy to open surgery in geriatric patients with colorectal cancer: a case-controlled study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence, risk factors and outcomes of conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery in geriatric patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: All patients subjected to laparoscopic procedures for CRC between 2006 and 2018 were included. Patients older than 70 were divided into these necessitating or not necessitating conversion to open surgery (Con>70 and Lap>70 groups, respectively), and those younger than 70 requiring conversion were evaluated in Con<70 group. The results were compared between Con>70 group and the two other groups. RESULTS: Conversion was significantly more common in Con>70 group than Con<70 group (17.3 vs 9.6%, p=0.011). Although female gender and T4 tumors leading to multivisceral resection were significant risk factors for conversion in univariate analysis, multivariate analysis denied any variable as significant. Perioperative outcomes were significantly worse in Con>70 group than those in Lap>70 group. When conversion groups were compared, the rates of surgical site infection and evisceration were higher in geriatric patients. Pathological results revealed that Con>70 group had more advanced tumors than Lap>70 group regarding pT stage, number of malignant lymph nodes and perineural invasion rate. However, the numbers of harvested lymph nodes were similar in two groups. CONCLUSION: Conversion rate is higher in geriatric patients, particularly in female patients and those who necessitate multivisceral resections. Conversion worsens the perioperative outcomes in geriatric patients. Finally, since the number of harvested lymph nodes does not decrease with conversion, it probably does not threaten the quality of oncological surgery.

Hand-Crafted Endoluminal Vacuum-Assisted Drainage for Anastomotic Leak After IPAA.

INTRODUCTION: The vacuum-assisted drainage has many applications in managing complex wound healing. It quickens the recovery period by its hyperemic effect on the exposed zone, decreasing bacterial colonization, preventing tissue edema, and promoting granulation of the wound. However, its use in anastomotic leak after IPAA is scarcely studied, especially because a proprietary endoluminal vacuum-assisted closure system was removed from the US market. TECHNIQUE: We applied a hand-crafted endoluminal vacuum-assisted closure system using the existing standard wound vacuum-assisted closure supplies to 2 patients who developed an anastomotic leak with a presacral abscess after completion proctectomy with J-pouch construction. RESULTS: We changed the endoluminal vacuum-assisted closure drain every 2 to 3 days, and both patients had substantial improvements in their abscess cavity after the seventh and ninth applications. CONCLUSIONS: Anastomotic leak at the IPAA traditionally takes up to a year to heal, which causes a significant toll on the psychosocial life of the patient and delayed stoma closure. Therefore, we believe that facilitating the healing process by using our hand-crafted endoluminal vacuum-assisted closure drain might provide a great value to patients' quality of life.

Necrotising fasciitis of the thigh caused by duodenum invasion of renal cell carcinoma: A case report.

Necrotising fasciitis, widespread necrosis of the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and superficial fascia, may be caused by many factors, among which underlying malignancy is observed rarely. We report a case with necrotising fasciitis of the lower extremity because of a duodenum to retroperitoneum fistula caused by renal cell carcinoma invasion. A 62-year-old male with newly diagnosed renal cell carcinoma was diagnosed with necrotising fasciitis at the end of 2 days in hospital. One day after debridement surgery, biliary contamination of dressings and tomography demonstrated fistulation from the duodenum to retroperitoneum and then to the right thigh because of renal tumour invasion. The second operation was performed to repair the duodenum. Intravenous antibiotics and hydration were maintained postoperatively. Although there was no surgical complication, the patient died because of respiratory collapse at the 12th day postoperatively. Renal cell carcinoma may invade the duodenum and, with retroperitoneal fistulation, may be the cause of necrotising fasciitis of the thigh. Laparotomy may be needed to control the origin of infection. However, necrotising fasciitis may be fatal in spite of aggressive treatment. The fasciitis should be diagnosed early to initiate timely aggressive treatment, and a possible endogenous source should be kept in mind.

J-pouch vs. side-to-end anastomosis after hand-assisted laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer: A prospective randomized trial on short and long term outcomes including life quality and functional results.

PURPOSE: To analyze the outcomes of j-pouch and side-to-end anastomosis in rectal cancer patients treated with laparoscopic hand-assisted low anterior resection. METHODS: Prospective trial on cases randomized to have a colonic j-pouch or a side-to-end anastomosis after low anterior resection. Demographics, characteristics of disease and treatment, perioperative results, and functional outcomes and life quality were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Seventy four patients were randomized. Reservoir creation was withdrawn in 17 (23%) patients, mostly related to reach problem (n = 11, 64.7%). Anastomotic leakage rate was significantly higher in j-pouch group (8 [27.6%] vs. 0, p = 0.004). Stoma closure could not be achieved in 16 (28.1%) patients. Life quality and functional outcomes, measured 4, 8 and 12 months after the stoma reversal, were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Colonic j-pouch and side-to-end anastomosis are similar regarding perioperative measures including operation time, rates of postoperative complications, reoperation and 30-day mortality, and hospitalization period except anastomotic leak rate, which is higher in j-pouch group. Postoperative aspects are not different in patients receiving either technique including functional outcomes and life quality for the first year after stoma closure. In our opinion, both techniques may be preferred during the daily practice while performing laparoscopic surgery; but surgeons may be aware of a possibly higher anastomotic leak rate in case of a j-pouch.

Fortune of temporary ileostomies in patients treated with laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer.

PURPOSE: The current study aims to analyze the risk factors for the failure of ileostomy reversal after laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer. METHODS: All patients who underwent a laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer with a diverting ileostomy between 2007 and 2014 were abstracted. The patients who underwent and did not undergo a diverting ileostomy procedure were compared regarding patient, tumor, treatment related parameters, and survival. RESULTS: Among 160 (103 males [64.4%], mean [± standard deviation] age was 58.1 ± 11.9 years) patients, stoma reversal was achieved in 136 cases (85%). Anastomotic stricture (n = 13, 52.4%) was the most common reason for stoma reversal. These were the risk factors for the failure of stoma reversal: Male sex (P = 0.035), having complications (P = 0.01), particularly an anastomotic leak (P < 0.001), or surgical site infection (P = 0.019) especially evisceration (P = 0.011), requirement for reoperation (P = 0.003) and longer hospital stay (P = 0.004). Multivariate analysis revealed that male sex (odds ratio [OR], 7.82; P = 0.022) and additional organ resection (OR, 6.71; P = 0.027) were the risk factors. Five-year survival rates were similar (P = 0.143). CONCLUSION: Fifteen percent of patients cannot receive a stoma reversal after laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer. Anastomotic stricture is the most common reason for the failure of stoma takedown. Having complications, particularly an anastomotic leak and the necessity of reoperation, limits the stoma closure rate. Male sex and additional organ resection are the risk factors for the failure in multivariate analyses. These patients require a longer hospitalization period, but have similar survival rates as those who receive stoma closure procedure.

Unusually located primary hydatid cysts.

The hydatid disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus is an endemic parasitic disease affecting several Mediterranean countries. Echinococcal cysts are mostly located in the liver and the lung, but the disease can be detected anywhere in the body. In this study, we present uncommon extrahepatic localizations of primary hydatid disease. Patients who were operated on for hydatid disease or cystic lesions, which were later diagnosed as hydatid disease, between 2004 and 2010 were retrieved retrospectively. Patients with lesions localized outside the liver and the lung were enrolled in the study. Eight patients with extrahepatic primary hydatid disease were treated surgically at our clinic. The cysts were located in the scapular region, spleen, pancreas, lumbosacral region and gluteal muscle. Surgical techniques were partial or total cystectomy with or without tube drainage. Splenectomy was performed for splenic hydatid disease and partial pericystectomy, Roux-en-Y cystojejunostomy, cholecystectomy and T-tube drainage for pancreatic hydatid disease. There were no complications or mortality in the postoperative period. Hydatid cyst should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic lesions, especially in endemic areas. Surgical technique should be planned according to the location of the cyst.

The Feasibility of Hepatic Resections Using a Bipolar Radiofrequency Device (Habib®).

The bipolar radiofrequency device (Habib®) has been recently introduced in order to reduce intraoperative bleeding for a safe hepatic resection as an alternative to the conventional tools. However, indications, perioperative findings, and outcome of the device for hepatic resections remain and deserve to be analyzed. The current study aims to analyze the feasibility of the bipolar radiofrequency device (Habib®) for hepatic resections. Information of the patients that underwent hepatic resection using with the Habib® device between 2007 and 2011 was abstracted. Patient, disease, and operation-related findings and perioperative data were investigated. A total of 71 cases (38 [53.5 %] males, mean age was 56.8 ± 11.9) were analyzed. Metastatic disease (n = 55; 77.5 %) was the leading indication followed by primary liver and biliary malignancies (n = 7; 9.9 %), hemangioma (n = 5; 7 %), hydatid disease (n = 3; 2.8 %), and hepatic gunshot trauma (n = 1; 1.4 %). Metastasectomy was the most commonly performed procedure (n = 31; 56.3 %), but in 24 (77.4 %) cases, it was performed in addition to extended resections. Other procedures in the study patients include segmentectomy in 17, bisegmentectomy in 19, trisegmentectomy in 17, right or left hepatectomy in 8, and extended right/left hepatectomy in 3. The mean (±SD) operation time was 241.7 ± 78.2 min. The median amount of bleeding was 300 cc (range 25-2500), and 23 (32.4 %) cases required perioperative transfusion. The median hospitalization period was 5 days (range 1-47). Lengthened drainage (n = 9, 12.7 %) and intraabdominal abscess (n = 8, 11.23 %) were the most common problems. Hepatic resections using the Habib® device seem to be feasible in cases with primary and metastatic hepatic lesions and benign liver masses and even those with hepatic trauma. It may lessen the amount of intraoperative hemorrhage, although lengthened drainage and intraabdominal abscess were the major postoperative problems in these cases.

Safety and feasibility of laparoscopic sigmoid colon and rectal cancer surgery in patients with previous vertical abdominal laparotomy.

INTRODUCTION: Current study aims to analyze the impact of previous vertical laparotomy on safety and feasibility of laparoscopic sigmoid colon and rectal cancer operations. METHODS: All consecutive patients who underwent a laparoscopic resection for sigmoid colon or rectal cancer were included. These aspects were abstracted and compared within no laparotomy and previous vertical laparotomy groups: demographics, perioperative aspects, pathological features and survival. RESULTS: There were 252 patients in no laparotomy group, and 25 cases with previous vertical incisions including lower (n = 12, 48%), upper (n = 7, 28%), and lower&upper (n = 2, 8%) midline and paramedian (n = 4, 16%) laparotomies. Veress insufflation and open technique were used in 19 (76%) and 6 (24%) cases, respectively, during the insertion of the first trocar in previous laparotomy group. Patients in previous laparotomy group were significantly older (59.2 ± 13.4 vs. 66.2 ± 10.1, p = 0.01), but gender, ASA scores, tumor and technique related factors were similar within the groups, including operation time (200 [70-600] vs. 200 [130-390] min, p = 0.353), blood loss (250 [100-1500] vs. 250 [0-2200] ml, p = 0.46), additional trocar insertion (10 [4%] vs. 3 [12%], p = 0.101), conversion (20 [7.9%] vs. 4 [16%], p = 0.25), postoperative complication (59 [23.4%] vs. 4 [16%], p = 0.06) and 30-day mortality (7 [2.8%] vs. 1 [4%], p = 0.536) rates. Oncological outcomes regarding pathological features and 5-year survival rates (65% vs. 73.2%, p = 0.678) were not different. CONCLUSION: The presence of a previous laparotomy does not worsen the outcomes in patients undergoing laparoscopic removal of sigmoid or rectal cancer, thus laparoscopy may be considered to be safe and feasible in these cases.

Preoperative functional health status may predict outcomes after elective colorectal surgery for malignancy.

BACKGROUND: Several studies suggest that preoperative functional health status (FHS) affects postoperative outcomes after ventral hernia repair, hepatic resections, and infrainguinal by-pass surgery. However, little is known about the proficiency of FHS in terms of preoperative outcome prediction of patients who undergo elective resection for colorectal cancer. METHODS: All patients who underwent elective colorectal resections for malignancy between 2005 and 2009 were identified from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. We classified patients into three groups according to their preoperative FHS: independent (IND), partially dependent (PDN), and totally dependent (TDN). Multivariable techniques were used to evaluate the impact of FHS on postoperative outcomes. Outcomes of laparoscopic and open procedures in patients with dependent FHS were also compared. RESULTS: In total, 25,591 patients included (94.2% IND, 5.1% PDN, and 0.71% TDN). Surgical, infectious, pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal, neurological complications, and mortality rate showed a linear progression that paralleled a decline in preoperative FHS of the patients (p < 0.05). Laparoscopic technique was associated with better outcomes in terms of reduced length of total hospital stay, decreased infectious complication rate, and mortality with comparable operating time in patients with dependent (PDN and TDN) FHS (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Functional health status may predict postoperative outcomes after colorectal cancer surgery. A detailed preoperative evaluation, providing an optimization period before surgery if necessary, and increased utilization of laparoscopic technique may improve outcomes after elective colorectal resections for malignancy in patients who are partially or TDN.

Risk factors for early postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients underwent radical surgery for gastric carcinoma: a single center experience.

BACKGROUND: Aim of this study is to analyze the incidence and risk factors for early postoperative morbidity and mortality that occur after gastric carcinoma surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All consecutive patients with gastric adenocarcinoma resected with curative intent between 2005 and 2011 were included to a retrospective analysis. Patient, disease and operation related parameters were questioned as risk factors for postoperative morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 160 patients (103 [64.8%] male and the average age was 62.4 ± 11.5) were abstracted. Early postoperative morbidity, operation related morbidity and mortality were observed in 46 (28.7%), 31 (19.4%) and 19 (11.9%) cases, respectively. No other factors but ASA score was found to be a risk factor for overall morbidity (p = 0.021 and 0.033 in univariate and multivariate analyses, respectively). The incidence of anastomotic leak was increasing in patients who received a D2 dissection in univariate analysis (p = 0.039), but not in multivariate calculation. There were no factors effecting surgical site infection risk. Although univariate analysis revealed that age over 70 (p = 0.008), ASA score (p = 0.018), operation time (p = 0.032), D2 dissection (p = 0.026) and type of anastomosis (p = 0.023) were effecting the risk for early mortality, multivariate analysis showed that age was the only risk factor (p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Current study has revealed that early morbidity and mortality are not rare after gastric cancer surgery with curative intent. Since multivariate analyses have revealed that ASA score and older age may be only risk factors for postoperative morbidity and 30-day mortality, respectively; it may be logical to consider these factors during the preoperative decision making in patients with gastric cancer.

Ramadan fasting in patients with a stoma: a prospective study of quality of life and nutritional status.

Ramadan fasting is an Islamic obligation for healthy Muslims after the age of puberty. Persons with an acute or chronic disease may be excused from this obligation; the degree of the disease is an important parameter for not fasting. Little is known about the effect of fasting on persons with a stoma. A prospective study was conducted among 56 patients with a cancer-related fecal stoma (33 [58.9%] male, mean age 55.9 ± 13.1 years) over two periods of Ramadan to analyze the effect of fasting 15 to 16 hours on nutritional and metabolic status and quality of life. Eligible patients were divided into two groups: fasting (n = 14) and nonfasting (n = 42). Demographic and stoma information, as well as disease and treatmentrelated variables, were evaluated. Participants completed cancer patient and colorectal cancer patient quality-of-life instruments and rated their religious orientation. Laboratory tests (blood urea nitrogen, creatinin, cholesterol, prealbumin, albumin, and transferrin) were performed 1 to 3 weeks before Ramadan, and questionnaires and tests were repeated 1 to 3 weeks after Ramadan in people who fasted. Demographic parameters, including religious orientation scale scores, were similar between fasting and nonfasting groups. Patients in the fasting group had significantly higher albumin levels (4.6 ± 0.2 versus 4.1 ± 0.4, P = 0.001), prealbumin levels (27.6 ± 7.4 versus 21.3 ± 8.5, P = 0.018), and global health status scores (81.5 ± 16.7 versus 68.3 ± 20.1, P = 0.030) than patients in the nonfasting group. Patients who fasted also had their stoma for a longer period of time than patients in the nonfasting group (average 9 months [range 3-87 months] in the fasting versus 4.5 months [range 3-36 months] in the nonfasting group, P = 0.084), and the proportion of patients with a permanent stoma was higher in the fasting group than in the nonfasting group (P = 0.051). Ramadan fasting had almost no influence on quality of life. Fasting lowered prealbumin levels (27.6 ± 7.4 versus 21.2 ± 4.4; P = 0.046), but did not adversely affect other nutritional or global health status variables. Most patients in the fasting group (13, 92.9%) stated they would feel sad if they were not fasting. The results of this study suggest that although fasting may decrease prealbumin levels, persons with a stoma and good nutritional status may decide for themselves whether to fast.

Laparoscopic and conventional resections for low rectal cancers: a retrospective analysis on perioperative outcomes, sphincter preservation, and oncological results.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to compare the results of laparoscopic and conventional techniques in patients with low rectal cancers. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective data analysis was initiated in patients underwent laparoscopic or conventional surgery for cancers located in the low (<6 cm) rectum. Patient and tumor-related information, outcomes of operations, and survival were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Among 142 patietns (91 men [64.1%]; mean±standard deviation age, 57.7±14.6 years) who had tumors located <6 cm from the dentate line, 92 (64.8%) were operated on with the laparoscopic technique. Demographics, tumor stage, and localization (2.9±2.0 versus 2.9±2.1 cm from the dentate line in laparoscopic and conventional arms, respectively; P=.968) were similar. However, there were more patients in the laparoscopic group who received neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (92.4% versus 80.0%; P=.03), since there were significantly fewer cases with stage I tumors in this group (3.3% versus 14%; P=.33). The conversion rate was 14.1% (n=13). The amount of bleeding and the requirement for transfusion decreased (P<.05 for both), and the possibility of sphincter-saving procedures (66.3% versus 34.0%; P<.001) increased, in the laparoscopy group. Other parameters were identical. In the laparoscopy group, the number of harvested lymph nodes (10.2±5.4 versus 12.4±6.0; P=.025) and the rate of vascular invasion (27.5% versus 47.8%; P=.021) were less, and Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed an improved survival (P=.042), although the follow-up period was significantly shorter in this group (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic surgery for low rectal cancers may be technically feasible and oncologically safe. Laparoscopy may increase the possibility of sphincter preservation.

Complete versus partial mobilization of splenic flexure during laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal tumors: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the current study is to compare the results after partial and complete splenic flexure mobilization (SFM). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The records of laparoscopic and hand-assisted laparoscopic procedures for primary rectal tumor patients were abstracted from a prospectively designed database. The phrenicocolic and splenocolic ligaments were divided via a four-trocar technique in the partial SFM group, and dissection was continued with the separation of gastrocolic and pancreaticomesocolic attachments via a five-trocar procedure in the complete SFM group. The following data were compared between the groups: Demographics, intra- and postoperative information, and pathological features. RESULTS: In total, 122 cases (77 [63.1%] male, 58.2±13.2 years old) who underwent a partial (n=36, 29.5%) or a complete (n=86, 70.5%) SFM were included. Reservoir creation (48.8% versus 19.4%, P=.003) was more common and conversion (8.1% versus 22.2%, P=.039) was less frequent in the complete SFM group, but there were significantly more T4 tumors in the partial group (16.7% versus 2.3%, P=.008). Demographics, other intra- and postoperative parameters, and pathological features were identical. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, complete SFM decreased conversion rates, but this finding may be related to the higher rate of T4 tumors in the partial SFM group. Complete SFM assures an increase in reservoir creation in patients receiving a low anterior resection. Because other parameters are identical, the decision for the level of SFM is better left to the surgeon in cases undergoing a low anterior resection, but complete SFM may be preferred in cases who are candidates for a reservoir formation.

Safety and effectiveness of 5-mm and 10-mm electrothermal bipolar vessel sealers (LigaSure) in laparoscopic resections for sigmoid colon and rectal cancers.

BACKGROUND: LigaSure™ (Covidien, Mansfield, MA) has been used in cases undergoing laparoscopic colon and rectal resections. This study aims to analyze the efficacy and safety of the 5-mm and 10-mm devices. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Patients who received a laparoscopic or hand-assisted laparoscopic operation for a tumor located in the sigmoid colon or rectum since 2006 were abstracted from a prospectively designed database, and findings were analyzed in two groups based on size of the device used during the procedure. The videotapes of the procedures were watched, and operation reports were read to obtain further information on specific intra- and postoperative complications. Demographics, tumor and operation-related information, and postoperative data were compared. RESULTS: Among 215 (128 [59.5%] males; median age, 59.5±13.8 years) patients, data obtained from the 5-mm (n=32) and 10-mm (n=183) groups were identical regarding demographics and data related to tumor (localization and stage) and operation (number of harvested lymph nodes, conversion rates, operation time, intraoperative bleeding, transfusion requirement, reoperation rates, complications, 30-day mortality, and length of hospital stay). However, more patients underwent an anterior resection in the 10-mm group than in the 5-mm group (31.7% versus 15.6%, P<.05). Further analyses found device-related bleeding in 8 (3.7%) cases (2 [6.3%] versus 6 [3.3%] in the 5-mm versus 10-mm group, respectively, P>.05), requiring further attempts for hemorrhage control (n=6), conversion to open surgery (n=1), or relaparotomy (n=1). CONCLUSIONS: The 5-mm and 10-mm LigaSure devices are similarly effective and safe during laparoscopic sigmoid colon and rectal resections. Severe bleeding from larger vessels may be observed, requiring conversion to open surgery or relaparotomy.

Results after multivisceral resections of locally advanced colorectal cancers: an analysis on clinical and pathological t4 tumors.

BACKGROUND: Locally advanced colorectal cancers are best treated with multivisceral resections. The aim of this study is to evaluate early and late results after multivisceral resections. METHODS: All patients operated for primary colorectal cancer between 2001 and 2010 were -reviewed. These were compared within the patients underwent single organ and multivisceral resections: demographics, tumor and procedure related parameters, perioperative results, early oncological outcomes and 5-year survival. RESULTS: A total of 354 patients (59.6 ± 13.8 years old, 210 [59.3%] males) were abstracted. Ninety (25.4%) patients underwent multivisceral resections for clinical T4 tumors and en-bloc R0 resection was achieved in 82 (91.1%). Only 31 (34.4% and 8.8% of clinical T4 and all cancers, respectively) cases had actual adjacent organ invasions (pT4). Males (20%) had lower risk for locally advanced tumors than females (33.3%) (p < 0.05). PT4 cancers were more common, if the clinical T4 tumor is located in the colon (48.8% vs 21.3%; p < 0.01). Laparoscopy was seldom initiated and the risk of conversion was higher in clinical T4 tumors (p < 0.05). The rates of sphincter-saving procedures were not different. Operation time, bleeding and transfusion requirements increased when multivisceral resections were necessitated (p < 0.05), but hospital stay, complications and 30-day mortality rates were similar. The 5-year survival rates were identical (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical T4 tumors are not rare and more common in women. An actual invasion (pT4) may be observed in one third of all clinical T4 tumors, and more frequent in colon cancers. An en-bloc, R0, multivisceral resection may be achieved in most cases. Multivisceral resections do not alter the rates of sphincter-saving procedures, morbidity and 30-day mortality; do not worsen survival but increase operation time, intraoperative bleeding and perioperative transfusion requirements.

Laparoscopic abdominoperineal resections for mid or low rectal adenocarcinomas: a retrospective, comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection (APR) has been seldom studied apart from low anterior resections, and deserves to be separately analyzed. This study aims to compare perioperative and oncological outcomes of laparoscopic and conventional APRs performed for the treatment of mid and low rectal adenocarcinomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients operated for primary mid or low rectal adenocarcinoma between 2001 and 2009 in our institution were retrospectively investigated. These data were abstracted and compared within conventional and laparoscopic resection groups: demographics, tumor and procedure-related parameters, perioperative results, early oncological outcomes, and survival. RESULTS: Demographics and tumor and procedure-related parameters were similar within the laparoscopic (n=31) and conventional (n=36) groups, except intraoperative bleeding and requirement for transfusion, which were significantly lower after laparoscopic APRs. Perioperative results including complication, reoperation, and 30-day mortality rates were identical. Early oncological results and 3-year survival rates were alike. CONCLUSIONS: The perioperative results and oncological outcomes are similar after laparoscopic and conventional APRs. As current data include limited number of patients in a retrospective design, further studies comparing laparoscopic and conventional APR techniques are required.

Left inferior quadrant oblique incision: a new access for hand-assisted device during laparoscopic low anterior resection of rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Although long-term results are not clear, laparoscopic resection of rectal cancer may be feasible, and the use of hand-assisted technique may ease the procedure. This article aims to describe the details of left inferior quadrant oblique incision (LIQOI) and to discuss the results of patients who underwent laparoscopic hand-assisted low anterior resection using LIQOI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All rectal cancer patients who underwent a hand-assisted low anterior resection through a LIQOI at our department between November 2006 and May 2008 were retrospectively evaluated. The details of the procedures were assessed. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: At the time of laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery, LIQOI was used on 23 patients (13 males; 56.5%) with a mean age of 55.2; standard deviation was 12.8 years. Conversion to open surgery was necessitated in 1 patient (4.4%), who was suspected to have a T4 tumor, and another case (4.4%) with a severe cardiac illness died 7 days after surgery. The right and left hands were used to help the mobilization of splenic flexure and rectum, respectively, after the insertion of the hand-assisted device through LIQOI. CONCLUSION: This incision may allow the uncomplicated mobilization of splenic flexure and rectum and thus ease the hand-assisted low anterior resection procedure.